Thread by @LizStokoe

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1. Why does @IndependentSage recommend maximizing remote learning at #Universities from the START of term?

Does SAGE agree?

Does the UK Government #FollowTheScience? And will Universities?

🤔

2. #IndependentSAGE agrees with SAGE that, in Autumn in HE, “significant outbreaks are likely" that "could amplify local & national transmission"; that "this requires national oversight”, & that “asymptomatic transmission may make these harder to detect”.

https://twitter.com/IndependentSage/status/1304398680355745792

3. Our report published yesterday maps, in detail, the overlap between SAGE and #IndependentSAGE's principles and recommendations, and is summarized below:

🔗 bit.ly/3mdhXKL

4. The two documents diverge on the PURPOSE, EXTENT, and DURATION of an online teaching and learning strategy.

Note particularly the issue of 🏫 residential segmentation ⬇️ which we'll return to.

🔗 bit.ly/3mdhXKL

4. DfE updated its guidance, “Higher Education: Reopening buildings and campuses”, yesterday.

The document refers to SAGE, but is inconsistent & ignores much of the logical upshot of, and recommendations in, SAGE’s principles.

HE is "autonomous" but must also follow guidance.

5. The DfE says "Effective segmentation could reduce the potential size of outbreaks - of student/staff populations (e.g., by course, year group, accommodation, site and so on, and in teaching and accommodation situations).

SOOOO many reasons why this is unachievable ... 🤦🏽‍♀️

6. DfE says segmentation "would support easier detection of linked cases, & enable more targeted closure or quarantine … staying within the same household unit will facilitate test and trace activities."

#IndependentSAGE agrees.

However, in-person teaching = burst bubbles.

7. DfE says “Poorly ventilated buildings are particularly conducive to virus spread. Where possible, poorly ventilated spaces should be adapted to improve ventilation or, if that is not possible, they should not be used for teaching and learning."

https://twitter.com/MikeOtsuka/status/1303925651146235904

8. If there is poor ventilation, "You might consider whether some tuition in certain subjects can be conducted outside.”

🥶

... although from 14th Sept there's a new “legal limit” on meetings: 6 people “who you don’t live with”

Except education.

🤯

https://twitter.com/jim_dickinson/status/1304440508429807617

9. DfE: “Where social distancing is difficult to maintain or good ventilation is difficult to provide, including

workshops
laboratories
offices
libraries
teaching rooms

use face coverings ... provided their use of does not interfere with teaching and learning.”

10. DfE: In the event of local lockdowns "during term, students should ... not return to the family home, which would increase the risk of transmitting the infection.”

Travel ❌

Also DfE: “You may want to avoid large numbers of students arriving at the same time.”

Travel ✅

11. The temporary use of remote learning methods will help reduce risk.

@DrSuzYoung's research on student preferences reports no one preference & positive experiences across in-person, pre-recorded, live online.

Using two out of three will reduce risk.

12. #IndependentSAGE recommends that, in addition to maximizing remote learning generally, the 1st 2 weeks of term should be online for ALL courses, including lab- & practice-based programmes, as well as online welcome weeks and restrictions on social activities among students.

13. Remote learning will reduce the number of people, in myriad combinations, occupying & travelling between multiple spaces & places – including from residential segments to classrooms & other campus locations, and while travelling to and from campus to other towns and cities.

14. So, maximizing remote learning at the start of term enables subsequent PIVOTS TO in-person modes - depending on infections - rather than AWAY from it if there are cases, and may mitigate against the late Autumn outbreaks predicted by SAGE.

🔗 bit.ly/3mdhXKL

15. We presented and discussed the content of this thread on #COVID19 & #universities today @ucu @DrJoGrady @zenscara #BSL

🔗 bit.ly/3hkiya0